Chuck Fender - Nathaniel Stewart

by Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

It was a cultural 'Integration Thursday' at The University of the West Indies as the C.E.A.C (Cultural External Affairs Committee) in association with the Star highlighted Black history month.

The Star was present last Thursday night providing enlightenment and entertainment for the UWI students at the Student Union. Andre Willams, Cultural Entertainment Affairs Chairperson (CEAC) and organiser of the event commented on the importance of celebrating black history. "We wanted to really show students how important Black History is. This is an important part of society, where black history is, its importance and where its pointing to go. It went well above our expectations, via music we got our thoughts across. "

With various booths set up from Zesty, Hype Energy Drink, Guinness, the St. Vincent Committee and the STAR, students had a lot to view as cultural hits played in the background. The STAR's booth was very popular as it featured a slideshow of photos from TheGleaner archive. The show featured images of prominent black figures such as Louise Bennett, Alexander Bustamante, Trevor Rhone, Edward Seaga, Mutabaruka, Oliver Samuels and many others. Persons stood watching the show, while others participated in the give-aways.

Students flocked to try to win tickets for 'Good Times' on Saturday, February 24th, a dinner at the Livity and T-Shirts from The Gleaner and The STAR. Pens and 'dog tags' were also given away to students who answered questions based on national and cultural figures and events.

By 6 p.m. the party heated up as newcomers Vibes Machine held down the turntables with hits from Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Junior Kelly and Buju Banton. The veterans weren't the only ones played as the selector announced "can't play the father without the son", going into a slew of Junior Gong hits.

Pace change

The pace changed as rap and dancehall took over with hits such as Nelly's Hot in Herre and Beenie Man's King of the Dancehall. As selectors from 'Area Code' took over on the turntables, new artiste Bijean Gayle made his contribution to the night singing Spiritual Poverty, as he proclaimed "remember seh a culture ting".

At this point students anxiously awaited the arrival of the STAR's surprise guest artiste. As the 'Living Fire' Chuck Fender took the stage, the females rushed to the front, cameras started flashing and screams erupted.

Fender opned his set with the explosive Gash Dem and Light Dem as a chorus of voices accompanied him. He shouted "all who nuh bleach out dem skin and proud to be black scream!", as he went into Ghetto Girl, I Swear and Marijuana. The first beats of Coming Over, Fender's smash hit with Cherine Anderson, played as he asked "do you want me to stay?".

The verdict was a definite yes, as he continued to tease them, "if yuh want to hear it again seh gwaan Fender!" After serenading a girl at the front of the stage Fender ended an energetic and well received set by saying "you gotta be proud to be black, let me see your lights in the air if yuh proud".

Area Code focused on female power as they said "big up all the girls wid ambition" and played Beyoncés To The Left. The party continued until after 9 with hits from Mavado, Aidonia, Kartel, Erupt and others. Without a doubt, it was another successful and educational Integration Thursday.